Rap-Up.com || Rap-Up TV: Rita Ora Talks Roots, Roc Nation, & Rolling with Jay-Z and Beyoncé

Remember the name Rita Ora. The 21-year-old Albanian singer, who Rap-Up.com named one of 10 Artists to Watch, scored a deal with Roc Nation and is prepping her debut for release this summer with heavy-hitters including Drake, The-Dream, and Stargate.

During her recent trip to Los Angeles, Rap-Up TV caught up with the blonde bombshell for one of her first stateside interviews. She chatted about pursuing her dream at the age of six, growing up in the small town of Pristina, Kosovo, signing to Roc Nation, and getting guidance from her label boss Jay-Z.

“He’s very honest and he’s very genuine and helpful,” said Rita of Mr. Carter. “It’s a great voice to listen to. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

The London resident, who co-starred in the video for Drake’s “Over,” also shared her dreams of collaborating with Gwen Stefani (“Do you know how much I love that woman?”) and getting feedback from another one of her superstar idols, Beyoncé.

“She’s helped me out a lot. I try to play things and get her opinion,” said Rita, who appears on DJ Fresh’s single “Hot Right Now.” “To have one of the inspirations in your face while you’re doing your first album is just like what.”

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23 Comments

Deangelo R.
February 8th, 2012 at 11:19 am
I love this girl, can’t wait for the album!

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Lolsmileyface
February 8th, 2012 at 11:22 am
How much does Roc Nation pay y’all to feature her?

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flawda
February 8th, 2012 at 11:31 am
How much does YMCMR pay every dj and website to feature their gimmicky ass artist?

Rita Ora voice is dope, you would never think something so soulful and powerful would come out that tiny frame. Wish her the best of luck!

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gagalovesme
February 8th, 2012 at 11:36 am
She is going to be a HUGE star!

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KMart
February 8th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
i think shes beautiful.

but who else has notice that most of the roc nation stars are…lightskin? im not hating im just saying (the only one that i can think of who isnt is wale)

good luck rita!!

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aight Reply:
February 8th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
@KMart, why would we even notice that ?

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KMart Reply:
February 8th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
@aight, because some people will notice, others won’t (simple question gets a simple answer). I just wondered how many others noticed that, that’s all.

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Big Sean Reply:
February 8th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
@KMart, Melanie Fiona is quite dark skinned.

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BreezyLover
February 8th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
We are so proud of our lil Albanian Girl!

2012 is def. going to be Rita’s year!

we <3 you!

PS: she looks like Beyonces sister lol

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Lisa
February 8th, 2012 at 12:54 pm
She has two of music’s most appreciated and acknowledged artists to guide her through this process, so hopefully she’ll take full advantage of that! Rita is a beautiful woman, with a raw sound and a sparkling personality. I think she is going to be all right.

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sbz
February 8th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
She ok, I guess she’s more of a risk from Jay Z, no doubt shes talented, but she wont be big, maybe big but not big big, if you know what I mean.

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hovfan
February 8th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
@sbz i disagree she is gonna be huge like the young beyonce of this generation she has a very powerful voice this kid is the truth

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Beestanbitch
February 8th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
The only young artist dat have a chance to b close as bee is Alexis Jordan frm roc nation she has dat swag the voice eryhing . Rita Ora that’s the young lady Rihanna be swagger jaggin uh.she s cumin fo Rihanna spot lets get ready to rumbo

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nicegirl
February 8th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
This girl is going to do big things, hopefully with Bey and Jay’s help.

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Hugh
February 9th, 2012 at 6:20 am
Looking forward to the album

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mr.bulie ivfffffty
February 9th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
looking fwd to the album and hope she have some Good song in the Uk or us

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Rita Ora Heats Up London Fashion Week – Rap | Fashion Member
February 20th, 2012 at 7:43 am
[...] to know Roc Nation’s rising star in part one of Rap-Up TV’s [...]
Miss.Ora
March 9th, 2012 at 2:25 am
she will be huge

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craig do da segull
March 9th, 2012 at 2:28 am
pants

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Rita Ora Talks Roots, Roc Nation, & Rolling with Jay-Z and Beyoncé - THE GOOD SURF
March 16th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
[...] to the good folks at Rap-Up, Rita Ora talks with us about growing up in Kosovo, getting guidance from Jay-Z, idolizing Gwen [...]
Ronalj
March 25th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
I think this new Monster Storm should cause a re-think about sidenpng kazillions rebuilding New Orleans. These super hurricanes may be fairly regular occurances in the years to come due to global warming and/or the regular cycle of worldwide climate changes.It may be that everything build along the Gulf coast has to be able to withstand a Category Five hit. And, we should take into account the rise in the water level that will come due to melting glaciers.Maybe New Orleans should be moved to Utah or Colorado. It would be much cheaper in the longrun. Meantime, we need a nice rational president to replace our current one. Someone who will ween us from our guzzling-oil habit.

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**Rita Ora** Roc Nations newsest arrival. she is HOT and Hova Approved « Klub Kush Media
June 3rd, 2012 at 8:23 am
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keishunna
December 27th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Better Riahnna but copie cat.

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